Since having kids (I now have three littles), my time to brew has become extremely limited. My setup is a two burner/tier rig I cobbled together with a couple pumps for all-grain batches. Brew days, including setup and cleanup take a solid 6 hours or so, which rarely have any more. I'm looking to simply and streamline brew days so I can actually brew more than once or two a year, so I'm looking to get into an electric/automated setup. Any input about which system would be fit my needs would be greatly appreciated!
My main considerations are:
My main considerations are:
- Automation/streamlined features - It should allow as much automation as possible so I don't have to babysit the unit constantly throughout the brew day (things like the ability to set a timer to start heating mash water would be a huge benefit). Automation features need to be flexible enough to support any reasonable process I might wish to try out. I don't want to be too limited by my equipment as far as what and how I brew.
- Simplicity - I'm a programmer by trade, so I'm fairly technically minded and am assume I'll be able to figure out any of the systems on the market, but after the initial learning curve I want the system to be as quick and easy to configure for a batch as possible.
- Along these lines, I like the idea of a counterflow chiller (rather than an immersion chiller like I've been using). It seems like the Grainfather is fairly unique with this feature, which currently a key reason for leaning in that directions, but let me know if you think I'm putting too much weight on that factor.
- Quality/Reliability - I want something that just works, will last, and isn't likely to fail/fall apart with typical use
- Time to setup, and clean/put away.
- Although money is always a consideration, I have more of a "buy once, cry once" mentality. I'm willing to wait/save up for what I really want if it means I'll be happier in the long run.
- It seems that 220V systems are preferred. Although it would be a bit tight, I could use this in my laundry room (which runs between my garage and kitchen). My home's main breaker is in the garage, so presumably I could have an electrician install a 220 outlet fairly inexpensively if brewing in the laundry room becomes too problematic. There's a basin sink in the laundry room, so I do have that available for chilling and cleanup.